Fears over Ebola contagion puts airlines in a spin – London Report October 7, 2014 BRITAIN’S top share index fell back yesterday, with travel and leisure companies hit by concerns that the spread of Ebola outside Africa could hurt air travel and the tourism business. Sentiment was also hit by a set of poor data, including an unexpected four per cent month-on-month drop in German industrial production in August. Analysts had [...]
Two Ryanair planes clip wings after collision at Dublin Airport causing flight delays October 7, 2014 Two Ryanair planes have clipped each other while on the runways at Dublin Airport this morning, prompting an investigation by local authorities. The incident, which was tweeted about by at least one of the passengers, doesn't appear to have been too serious: minor delays have been reported but there is no suggestion of any [...]
Ryanair soars as passenger numbers rise to record high October 2, 2014 Budget airline Ryanair received a boost yesterday as it revealed passenger numbers in September had hit a new record high. Ryanair’s total passengers last month hit a record 8.5m, soaring by 400,000 compared to 8.1m in September 2013. The budget airline also saw its load factor, the percentage of seats occupied on flights, increase to [...]
Michael O’Leary proves he’s still good for laughs September 25, 2014 RYANAIR has the best shareholder meetings. Despite Michael O’Leary’s decision to “step out of the public spotlight”, he’s still good for quips when he gets in front of a crowd. Yesterday’s meeting in Dublin was no different. Tesco was first to get it in the goolies. When speaking about chief marketing officer Kenny Jacobs, O’Leary [...]
Listen to Peter Thiel: Politicians must embrace the fact there’s no money left September 25, 2014 MORE must cost less. In his new book Zero to One, entrepreneur and investor Peter Thiel observes that the dream of globalisation – expanding the affluent consumption habits of the western middle class to more and more of the world – demands we also commit to radical technological innovation in order to reduce that lifestyle’s [...]
Ryanair share price climbs as it raises its traffic forecast September 25, 2014 It's the Ryanair Annual General Meeting (AGM) today, so expect plenty of outspoken soundbites from chief executive Michael O'Leary. Until then, investors will have to make do with a statement issued by the airline this morning, saying it expects "slightly stronger traffic growth in the winter schedule" – 87 million passengers by the end [...]
Cheaper houses, more expensive holidays: Five of the most important changes to the UK if Scotland votes for independence September 16, 2014 With the Scottish independence referendum just two days away, a question on many people's minds is what will happen to their finances if Scotland does decide to leave. Here are some of the ways in which those left in Britain will feel the effects. House price fall Online estate agency Emoov has [...]
Car review: The new Audi TT feels more like a top-end VW than a thrusting sports car September 16, 2014 What’s your take on the Audi TT? A brilliant interpretation of Bauhaus design language? An unusually attainable, good looking sports car? Or so commonplace it barely even registers? The original TT was something special. No car manufacturer had built such a bold interpretation of the coupe away from a motor show concept. And no one [...]
Ryanair says better customer service has increased passenger numbers September 10, 2014 Ryanair has said improvements to customer service- which was largely non-existent before boss Michael O’Leary’s change of heart about his no-frills approach- has increased the number of passengers per flight by at least six compared to last year. The budget airlines chief finance man Howard Millar said better customer service and the way it sold [...]
Ryanair orders up to 200 planes worth huge $22bn from Boeing September 8, 2014 IRISH budget airline Ryanair has made a deal with massive US aerospace company Boeing for up to 200 of its 737 Max planes, in a deal that could be worth up to $22bn (£13.7bn) in total. The deal will see Ryanair commit to buy 100 of the new 737 Max 200 series, valued at $11bn [...]